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Harlem Park, in northwest Baltimore, radiates from a 10 acre park. "Harlem Square" was deeded to the City by the estate of Dr. Edmondson. Accepted as City property in November, 1886, it became the focal point of the neighborhood.
Lots were divided and construction began in Harlem Park. On main streets, three-story brick or fieldstone houses were built. (These homes were built for families with servants critical to aid in their maintenance.) Some dwellings boast porches and garden fronts.
Much of the architecture is beautiful. Still evident in many houses are thick, wood flooring, wood-grained mantles, bejeweled stained glass windows, high ceilings and carved molding. Marble steps adorn the front. All of these homes were completed by the turn-of-the-century. In the 1920's, houses in this neighborhood began to be sold or rented ...as the original owners began to relocate in the suburbs. Decline and deterioration set in. This downward spiral was accelerated during World War II, as houses were hastily sub-divided to accommodate an influx of workers. The basic strength of the structures, however, was unharmed. In recognition of this, Harlem Park became one of the first urban renewal areas in the country to focus on rehabilitation not demolition.
And thus, this neighborhood bound on Lafayette Avenue on the north, Monroe Street on the west, Franklin Street on the south and Fremont Avenue on the east became a project of national scope. Publications read throughout the United States gave Baltimore featured billing on the "Harlem Park Neighborhood Project." One block was selected as a "demonstration block"-a model block of achievement. The main project covered 33 blocks of a 200-acre area. A plan was devised, and accepted by the Baltimore Urban Renewal Housing Agency (BURMA) and The Harlem Park Neighborhood Council. Then the work began.
Many of the goals of this plan have been achieved. Harlem Square is the site of a large school complex--Harlem Park Junior High and Harlem Park Elementary School. There is also a Recreation Center, as well as a playing field, skating rink and outdoor basketball court. Almost 2,000 structures were restored to the standards set forth by BURMA. Twenty-nine inner playgrounds were constructed. Nine-hundred trees were planted.
Many long-time residents were deeply involved in the renewal efforts. The list, in fact, is endless. The neighborhood today is populated by persons of varied education, employment and income. Some of the City's first homesteaders have chosen Harlem Park as their site. Most residents, though, have been there for at least a generation. There is a base of home ownership in the neighborhood, and some absentee landlords have retained membership in the churches, and thus feel a commitment to maintain their properties. The Harlem Park Neighborhood Council strives to keep residents actively involved in working for the well-being of the neighborhood. "Block clubs" are used to facilitate communication. This Council is concerned with problem-solving and insuring the continued high quality of the city services to the area.
Harlem Park is fertile ground; it is a neighborhood with a solid foundation for excellence. Much of the work and spirit that goes into making a real neighborhood has been provided by its committed residents. A few more seeds are needed--more renovators for vacant houses and encouragement for the increased use of the inner-block playgrounds. Harlem Park is ready to bloom and give bounty to those who are ready to invest time and energy in its stately fields of stone and brick.
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